Khujand Travel Guide: Tajikistan’s Northern Gem (January 2026 Update)
Khujand (Khojand), Tajikistan’s second-largest city (~185,000 inhabitants), lies in the fertile Fergana Valley along the Syr Darya River. Ancient Silk Road hub founded ~2,500 years ago (possibly by Alexander the Great as Alexandria Eschata), it blends Persian heritage, Soviet relics, and modern Tajik life. Spared much of the 1990s civil war damage, it’s a relaxed introduction to northern Tajikistan.
No major changes by early 2026—sites remain accessible, shared taxis/marshrutkas dominant transport. Borders with Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan open (e.g., Isfara for Kyrgyzstan reopened 2025). Best visited Apr–Oct; hot summers (up to 40°C).
Getting There & Around
- Flights: Daily to/from Dushanbe; internationals from Russia/Dubai. Airport ~16 km in Buston.
- Shared Taxi/Marshrutka: From Dushanbe (~8–10 hrs, 120–150 TJS); Panjakent; Isfara (Kyrgyzstan border); Konibodom/Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
- Local: Taxis/marshrutkas cheap; agree fares upfront.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Sharq 21 Guesthouse.
- Midrange: Golden Apartments.
- Splurge: Khujand Grand Hotel (central, modern).
Top Things to Do in Khujand
- Panjshanbe Bazaar — Central Asia’s largest covered markets; busiest Thursdays. Pink/green Soviet-Arabian architecture; everything from spices to crafts.
- Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum & Masjid-i Jami — 12th–16th century complex with iridescent teal dome; rebuilt post-Mongols. Adjacent Friday mosque/madrasa.
- Khujand Citadel & Museums — 10th-century fortress (partially rebuilt); houses Historical Museum of Sughd (regional artifacts) & Archaeological Museum.
- Kamoli Khujandi Park & Mausoleum — Intricate 14th-century poet’s tomb; statue, fountains. Cable car across Syr Darya for views.
- Ismoil Somoni Park — Mosaic murals of Tajik history; Somoni statue. Sunset cable car recommended.
- Largest Remaining Lenin Statue — In Victory Park; Soviet holdover.
- WWII Monument & Eternal Flame — Near bazaar; honors ~300,000 Tajik fighters.
Eats
- Zaytun: North bank; try local Javari soup (pulses, mung beans, beef).
- Cafe Ravshan: Near citadel; classic Tajik/Central Asian dishes.
Day Trips Around Khujand
- Istiklol (ex-Taboshar) Uranium Mine (~40 min): Soviet-era site with radioactive reservoir/open pits. Shared taxi ~25 TJS; short visit advised.
- Akhkon Salt Flat (~90 min NE): Mini Salar de Uyuni; white crust, healing black mud baths (separate men/women sides).
- Ashti Bolo: Village with hidden Stalin statue in kindergarten courtyard.
Tips & Safety
Safe overall; low crime. Watch for food poisoning (eat hot/fresh); tap water unsafe. Petty theft possible in crowds. Carry passport copy. Healthcare limited—insurance essential.
Combine with Istaravshan, Panjakent (Fann Mountains access), or Uzbekistan crossings. Questions on routes or current conditions? Ask below!